When Insight Creates Distance: A Reflection on Imam al-Hasan al-Askari’s Wisdom

Imam al-Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him) is reported to have said:

“The sense of estrangement from people is proportionate to one’s insight into them.”
— Mizan al-Hikmah

This profound saying points to a subtle reality of human experience:

The deeper a person’s insight into human nature becomes, the less easily they are deceived by appearances.

What once seemed impressive may eventually appear superficial, and what once sounded sincere may reveal itself to be driven by self-interest.

A person of discernment begins to notice what others may overlook:

Changing attitudes according to circumstances, artificial kindness, contradictions between words and actions, unstable principles, and the weakening of honesty and moral responsibility.

Such awareness can sometimes produce a feeling of estrangement from society.

This does not necessarily mean that the insightful person hates people.

Rather, it may mean that they have become more careful about whom they allow into their inner world:

— Not everyone who speaks kindly is sincere;

— Not everyone who appears loyal remains loyal when circumstances change.

Some people approach relationships according to benefit, while others alter their positions whenever their interests require it.

The more clearly a person recognizes these patterns, the less willing they become to place their trust indiscriminately.

Therefore, the “estrangement” mentioned in this wisdom should not be understood as pathological isolation or contempt for humanity.

It can represent a form of protective awareness:

Knowing that not every relationship deserves the same degree of closeness, trust, or emotional investment.

True wisdom teaches a person neither to hate people nor to trust everyone blindly; it teaches discernment.

One may remain kind without being naïve, forgiving without repeatedly exposing oneself to harm, and sociable without allowing every person access to one's private life.

A mature believer can maintain good manners with everyone while reserving deep companionship for those whose character, honesty, and principles have proven trustworthy.

There is also a spiritual lesson here:

Sometimes feeling different or lonely does not mean that something is wrong with a person; it may simply mean that their standards for sincerity have changed.

As awareness grows, superficial relationships may no longer satisfy the heart.

Yet this awareness must remain balanced; if insight turns into constant suspicion, arrogance, contempt, or hatred of people, it has ceased to be wisdom.

Genuine insight should make a person more cautious, not more cruel; more discerning, not more arrogant; more selective, not more hateful.

The believer therefore learns to keep a small circle of sincere people while continuing to treat everyone with dignity and kindness.

Perhaps this is the deeper meaning of Imam al-Hasan al-Askari’s wisdom:

The more clearly you see people, the more carefully you choose whom to bring close—but the clearer you see your own soul, the more humble you become.